Israel Cegat Gaza Flotilla, PWI Condemns Detention of Indonesian Journalists
JAKARTA - The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) Center strongly condemns the Israeli military's interception and detention of the international humanitarian mission Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0.
The humanitarian ship, which was sailing to Gaza, Palestine, was known to carry a number of Indonesian journalists who were carrying out reporting duties.
The Chairman of the Central PWI, Akhmad Munir, emphasized that the interception of civilian missions and the detention of the press were serious violations of international law and press freedom in conflict areas.
"We strongly condemn Israel's actions in intercepting and detaining a humanitarian mission to Gaza, including Indonesian journalists who are carrying out journalistic duties. The safety of the press must be respected and protected in any situation," said Akhmad Munir in Jakarta, Tuesday (19/5/2026).
List of Indonesian Journalists Detained by Israel
Based on the report received, there are three senior Indonesian journalists who will participate in this international humanitarian mission to convey the facts of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to the world.
The following are the identities of Indonesian journalists who were on the ship:
Bambang Noroyono (Republika) Thoudy Badai (Republika) Andre Prasetyo Nugroho (Tempo)Munir reminded that the presence of journalists in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 mission was purely for journalistic and humanitarian affairs, not part of political or military conflicts.
"The press is present to convey facts and humanitarian voices to the world. There should be no intimidation or actions that threaten the safety of journalists who carry out their professional duties," he added.
Chronology of the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 Ship Interception
According to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemlu RI), the Israeli military has detained at least 10 ships that are part of the GSF 2.0 convoy. Some of the confirmed ships detained include:
Amanda ship Barbaros ship Josef ship Blue Toys shipUntil this news was released, the ship carrying Indonesian journalists was reported to have lost contact and the condition of the entire crew of the ship could not be ascertained.
Indonesian Government Response and Diplomatic Steps
PWI Pusat expressed full support for the rapid steps taken by the Indonesian Government through the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to seek protection and safety for all Indonesian citizens in the group.
On the other hand, the Government through the Ministry of Communication and Digital Republic of Indonesia ensures that it continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian representative abroad to monitor the latest situation.
As a precautionary and protective measure, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has deployed three embassy networks around the conflict area, namely:
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Ankara (Turkey) Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Cairo (Egypt) Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Amman (Jordan)This diplomatic network is prepared to facilitate the evacuation and repatriation process for Indonesian citizens if the situation permits.
"Our prayers and hopes accompany all journalists and humanitarian volunteers so that they are given safety and can return safely," concluded Akhmad Munir.